Dozens, Including Baby Jake, Born On Leap Day In Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--It happens once every four years: today, February 29th, is Leap Day.

So what happens when babies are born on a leap year?

Families say their birthdays are even more special.

Jessica Kartalija has more.

Tracey Tran is surrounded by handsome guys.

Big brothers, Jordan and Liam meet the newest member of their family.

Baby Jake was born this Leap Day at 6:57 a.m.

"He figured he's the third baby and nobody would pay attention to him.  So he had to get attention," said Tran.

He's a leap year baby, but his big debut was even more dramatic.

"We were ready to go into labor and I realized that it was too late so I called 911 and I had the baby in the car," said Tran.

Jake is one of about 10 babies born at Greater Baltimore Medical Center this February 29th.

Penelope and 9 others were born at Franklin Square and Parker and Aidan were born at Anne Arundel Medical Center.

Daisy Bell Ward is America's oldest leap year baby, born on February 29, 1916. She's been around for 100 years, but according to the calendar, she's just 25 years old.

"Mother Nature has a sense of humor. [She] made it so every 365 days plus 5 hours, 49 minutes and a few odd seconds, that means that every year we have to compensate for one quarter of a day, so after 4 years, we have to add one more day," said Michio Kaku, Professor of Theoretical Physics.

As for Jake, he will always be mama's little boy.

"It's so special.  Every 4 years.  He only has to age every 4 years," Tracey says with a smile on her face.